Bach's potential successors set to woo International Olympic Committee (IOC) voters at 143rd Extraordinary Session in Lausanne

The seven candidates running for International Olympic Committee (IOC) President are set to present their plans for the Olympic Movement on 30 January at the Olympic House to the IOC Members, who are in Lausanne for the 143rd IOC Session, an Extraordinary IOC Session. Following their presentations in the morning, the candidates will also have the opportunity to speak to the media.
Each of them boasts a wealth of experience in multiple fields and will try to convince the electorate that they are perfectly suited for the position. The election is scheduled for the 144th IOC Session to be held from 18 to 21 March 2025 in Greece.
On Thursday, in the order determined by the drawing of lots conducted in November, each candidate will have 15 minutes to deliver their presentation, which must reflect the content of their respective Candidature Document published on the IOC website. Following the morning session, each candidate will then interact with the media for 10 minutes. The media interaction will be live-streamed on IOC Media YouTube.
Citing their track record in sports, business, politics, philanthropy and even the military, the candidates, through their manifestos published on 19 December 2024, pledge to strengthen the solidarity among all stakeholders of the Olympic Movement in addressing critical challenges and charting the way forward for the IOC and global sports.
The new IOC President will take over in June. Bach's presidency ends on Olympic Day, 23 June.
THE CANDIDATES (in the order of the drawing of lots):
HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein - IOC Executive Board Member
David Lappartient – President of the International Cycling Union
Mr Johan Eliasch – President of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation
Mr Juan Antonio Samaranch – IOC Vice President
Mrs Kirsty Coventry – IOC Executive Board Member
Lord Sebastian Coe – President of World Athletics
Mr Morinari Watanabe – President of the International Gymnastics Federation
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Zawya

a day ago

• Zawya

Kirsty Coventry Unveils Collaborative & Inclusive International Olympic Committee (IOC) Leadership Vision at First Public Media Roundtable

In her first major media appearance since being elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry offered a strikingly human portrait of the leader she intends to be: humble, collaborative, and unwaveringly grounded in the values of sport, equity, and Olympism, as she addressed international media during an online open roundtable on Zoom this afternoon. FIRST WOMAN&AFRICAN Speaking candidly for over an hour, the Zimbabwean reflected on the life journey that brought her from the pools of Harare to the corridors of Olympic power in Lausanne. Her presidency, set to begin officially on Olympic Day, 23 June 2025, will mark a historic moment as she becomes the first woman and first African to lead the IOC. GROUNDED LEADERSHIP Coventry made it clear that her leadership will not be rooted in authority, but in consensus and a collaborative, human-centred vision: 'In both my personal and professional career, I've always had incredible people around me to keep me grounded and humble; those are people whom I will continue to keep around me.' She added: 'Values are at the core of our daily business, they're incredibly important in today's communities, and I hold this very close to my heart.' WHY IOC FORUMS MATTER Replying to a question from Japan's Wakako Yuki on the role of IOC Forums in attribute Conventry's vision as president, "I have a vision that I would like to see, but I want to do it in a collaborative way. The Athletes Forum, eSport, Olympism365, the two ASOIF and WOF General Assemblies have been great platforms to listen to people, to hear topics that are important to them." 2ND MEDIA ROUNDTABLE IN SIGHT Coventry announced that immediately following the IOC Session on June 23-24, she has invited members to stay for a two-day 'pause and reflect' workshop, an opportunity for honest dialogue about the IOC's challenges and future direction: "I've invited the IOC members to stay two extra days so that I can hear what is on their mind and what they see as our opportunities and what they may see as our challenges, as we move into the future and come up with different ideas. This is the first point in a longer consultation process with all stakeholders, including yourselves as media, where we'll create another round table where I'll get to ask you all a bunch of questions. That will strengthen the Olympic movement in a collaborative way." VALUES CARRIED TO IOC PRESIDENCY Nadine Hassan from Jordan asked Kirsty, looking back on her journey, from Olympic champion to minister and now IOC President, which moments off the podium had the greatest impact in shaping the person she is today? "I'll need a moment to properly reflect on this. I think I'd have to go back to my roots. Growing up in Zimbabwe played a huge role. It's a small community in many ways. We're a big country geographically, but we're just 15 million people, and we lean on each other. "I think that kind of upbringing, maybe a bit more sheltered, surrounded by strong values and close-knit support, helped me understand the importance of having grounded, humble, genuine people around me. And it's those people who've consistently reminded me of where I come from. That's been one of the most powerful influences throughout my journey. CHALLENGES, AND DIFFICULT MEN.. New York Times reporter Tariq Panja referenced Coventry's previous remarks about dealing with 'difficult men.' She smiled knowingly and recounted the pressures she faced as a young Olympic medallist representing Zimbabwe during politically turbulent times: "As athletes, we had a lot of pressure coming from different government officials in Zimbabwe, and you know, it was hard. To look at others and trying to say, I'm an athlete, I don't believe in the politics in sport. I want to just focus on performing well," She said, without names mentioned, 'Looking back now, it taught me a lot about how to work with people, how to be respectful of differing opinions and still move forward on a shared agenda." WOMEN SUPPORT WOMEN USA's Rachel Axon asked, How has your career been shaped by other women at various career points, adding the gender equality initiatives to your role as female IOC President. Conventry highlighted the women who shaped her path, from her mother and grandmother to her university head swim coach, even Olympic trailblazers like Donna de Varona: She said,"My grandfather passed away when Mom was in her late teens. And so my grandmother was a single mom for most of her life, with three kids, and both were just incredibly strong women who raised families, and I think my mom's pretty great, and my uncle and aunt. She did a great job, but she also had a successful career in fashion. My mum got to see her doing that, so she was always an incredible role model for my sister and I." She adds: "My swim coach, Kim, who became a Division I coach while her husband was deployed overseas, with two very young kids, watching how she balanced that was inspiring. When we were preparing for the 2004 Olympics, her eldest came to Athens as a baby.. Again, I've been fortunate in my life to have very strong women around me who have shown me that it's possible. It's not always easy, but it's possible," noting her hope to pay that inspiration forward, especially for her two daughters. AFRICAN HERITAGE A question from China's Mandan Zhu touched on Coventry's rich international background and the impact of her African heritage, coming from Harare to Lausanne as a little girl with big dreams,"I can remember exactly where I was standing in my parents' living room. I was still in my swimsuit, feeling cold after swimming in the pool, only to stand in front of the TV and watch divers compete. I would say that there's never a dream too big. "You know, where there is a will to achieve, there's a way. And don't let someone talk you out of having that dream of what could be the best thing that happens to you. It's quite powerful." WEIGHT OF BEING 'FIRST' British journalist Jamie Gardner asked Coventry about the significance of becoming the IOC's first female president at this particular moment in history. While she admitted it wasn't something she initially focused on, the outpouring of messages from women around the world has since left a powerful mark: 'I had a coworker tell me that his mum said, 'Never in my lifetime did I think I'd see a woman lead the movement you work for.'' That moment, she admitted, hit her deeply. 'It's not just an exciting day, it's a day with a lot of responsibility.' FROM SYDNEY TO BRISBANE Australia, particularly the Sydney 2000 Games, remains a defining touchstone for Coventry's Olympic journey. Asked about her journey coming full circle, from a wide-eyed young swimmer at Sydney 2000 to President for Brisbane 2032, Coventry shared a funny tale about struggling to put on her first Speedo sharkskin suit, helped up by none other than Australian legend Susie O'Neill: 'When we arrived in Sydney, I went into the changing room to try my Speedo suit on, and it turned into a total disaster. I had one leg in, was struggling to get the other in, lost my balance completely, and toppled over. Mortifying. Then this amazing person next to me leans down to help, and as I look up, I realise… It's Susie. I never forget that moment because she was a role model to me, those Games, changed everything for me,' she recalled. 'Now I hope Brisbane will show the world the warmth and passion of Australia, and inspire the next generations like Sydney did for me.' LIFTING VOICES As the media roundtable with IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry progressed, her clarity of purpose sharpened further. In a movement often shaped by the world's most powerful nations, Coventry made a point of bringing attention to her roots, and how they shape her priorities: 'I come from a much smaller NOC, a developing country,' she said of Zimbabwe. 'And I understand the challenges our athletes face. How do we close that gap? How do we ensure that athletes from all walks of life, if not with the same opportunities, at least have equal opportunities?' Coventry affirms that she intends to elevate voices often left on the margins. Her presidency, she hinted, will focus as much on inclusion as it will on innovation. LEARNING FROM YOUNG GENERATIONS Perhaps the most poignant reminder of who Coventry is, and who she intends to be as IOC President, came when she spoke about her own children. 'They're a daily reminder of our responsibility to keep sport relevant, and to listen, really listen, to what young people think is important. Kids are honest,' she said with a smile. 'And sometimes that's a very good thing.' Her two young daughters, she explained, are constant reminders that sport must remain relevant and engaging for younger generations. Despite the gravity of her new role, Coventry remains adamant about keeping her family grounded: 'We won't be staying in the Lausanne Palace. I want my kids to grow up doing the same things I did, making their beds, doing house chores, and just being kids.' ROAD AHEAD As Kirsty Coventry prepares to officially assume the role on June 23, her message is one of optimism, inclusivity, and integrity. With the weight of history on her shoulders and the wind of lived experience at her back, she is poised not just to lead the Olympic Movement but to reshape it for the modern age, starting by one athlete, one story, one honest conversation at a time. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

Gulf Today

14-06-2025

• Gulf Today

NOC discusses Dakar Youth Olympic Games entry standards with federations

The Technical and Sports Affairs Department of the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC) held a joint coordination meeting on Thursday at the committee's headquarters in Dubai with representatives of relevant national sports federations. The meeting focused on preparations for participation in the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games – Dakar 2026, which will feature 2,700 athletes competing in 151 events across 25 sports. Ahmed Al Tayyeb, Director of the Technical and Sports Affairs Department at the NOC, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the participation requirements. These included eligibility and qualification standards approved by the International Olympic Committee and the respective International Federations, along with timelines, age-specific technical criteria, international licensing, and qualification frameworks. An open discussion followed, allowing federation representatives to raise questions and share observations. Key follow-up areas were identified to ensure optimal preparedness for this landmark Olympic event. The sports programme for Dakar 2026 comprises 25 disciplines: swimming, athletics, boxing, rugby, basketball (3x3), equestrian, judo, taekwondo, fencing, archery, table tennis, badminton, sailing, rowing, wrestling, beach handball, beach volleyball, and triathlon. During the meeting, participants discussed the detailed qualification criteria for each sport, with particular emphasis on the age requirement specifying that eligible athletes must be born between 2009 and 2010. Additional criteria were reviewed, such as the requirement for swimmers to appear in the World Aquatics rankings during the qualification window from February 1 2025 to May 1 2026. For badminton, athletes must have participated in at least one event sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation or be listed in the BWF Junior World Rankings prior to the final athlete registration deadline of September 25, 2026. The fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games will be held in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, marking the first time an African nation hosts an Olympic event. Dakar 2026 is set to be a transformative milestone, fostering development in sport, society, culture, education, and the economy—offering young athletes new opportunities, inspiration, and confidence in the future. NOC attends International Athletes' Forum in Lausanne: The UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC), represented by its Athletes' Committee, participated in the 12th International Athletes' Forum (IAF), held in Lausanne, Switzerland. The delegation included Mohammed Al Nakhy and Aisha Jasem Al Ali, both members of the Athletes' Committee. The International Athletes' Forum is the world's largest gathering of athlete representatives, organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission. The forum convened over 400 participants to address key issues affecting athletes, amplify their voices, and exchange ideas to strengthen the support provided by their respective athletes' commissions. The programme featured a series of plenary sessions and workshops through which participants explored the range of support available from the IOC, Olympic Solidarity, and Olympic partners worldwide. Several sessions were moderated by Allyson Felix, an IOC Athletes' Commission member and 11-time Olympic medallist, who led discussions with athletes benefiting from these support programmes. The forum also included updates on major upcoming Olympic Games, including Milano Cortina 2026, Los Angeles 2028, the French Alps 2030, and Brisbane 2032. Members of the IOC Athletes' Commission presented the latest developments for each edition, joined by representatives from Milano Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028. Throughout the forum, participants engaged in parallel skill-building workshops covering topics such as anti-doping, mental health and well-being, prevention of match manipulation, social media strategies for athletes' commissions, sustainability, and effective commission governance.

Zawya

07-06-2025

• Zawya

Youth Charter Calls for Greater Cohesion in Sport for Development to Deliver United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals

The Youth Charter ( a pioneering social legacy organisation dedicated to sport for development and peace, has issued a statement urging greater cohesion, accountability, and youth inclusion in the global delivery of sport-based initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the outcomes of the recent IOC 355 Sustainability Summit, the Youth Charter welcomed the ambition and progress presented through the IOC's Olympism365 programme, with over 550 projects across 175 countries. However, the Charter emphasised that meaningful impact can only be achieved through unified action, public transparency, and intergenerational collaboration. 'Potential alone is not progress. The Olympic Movement must now shift from vision to delivery—co-creating with youth, investing in communities, and reporting with integrity,' said Geoff Thompson, Founder and Chair of the Youth Charter. Key Observations Highlighted in the Youth Charter Response: Leadership without Local Alignment: Only 10% of National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have public sustainability strategies, revealing a critical gap between global vision and national implementation. Lack of Transparent Reporting: The IOC has not released a sustainability report since 2019. Without annual, independent reporting, public trust and measurable accountability are compromised. Safeguarding&Mental Health: Positive strides were announced, but implementation at scale—particularly in the Global South—remains inconsistent and underfunded. Non-binding Targets: The withdrawal of Brisbane 2032's 'climate positive' goal raises urgent questions about the enforceability of sustainability commitments. Absence of Youth Voice: Despite sport's potential to empower young people, youth were largely absent from the Summit's strategic focus and decision-making platforms. Youth Charter Global Call 2 Action – Five-Point Plan: Unified SDG Framework: Embed the UN SDGs across all Olympic bodies with measurable targets and community accountability. Annual Impact Reporting: Commit to public, independent sustainability reporting across all levels of the Olympic Movement. Youth and Community Engagement Taskforce: Establish a cross-sector platform to amplify youth voice in strategy, delivery, and evaluation. Local Ecosystem Collaboration: Strengthen links between NOCs and local education, health, and community networks to ensure inclusive implementation. Investment in Social Legacy Infrastructure: Redirect long-term funding into community-based sport infrastructure, youth employment, and safeguarding systems. 'Young people are not just spectators or beneficiaries. They are the change-makers. The time has come to engage them as equal partners in shaping sport's global impact,' added Thompson. As the world prepares for Paris 2024 and looks toward the final phase of Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the Youth Charter is calling on the IOC, National Olympic Committees, and all sport stakeholders to recommit to the true spirit of Olympism —as a force for health, peace, equity, and sustainable change. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter. Youth Charter @ Social Media: LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter Facebook: @ YouthCharter Instagram: @ youthchartersdp YouTube: @ YouthCharter X: @ YOUTHCHARTER Youth Charter #Hashtags: #InternationalOlympicCommittee #Olympism #Fight4theStreets #YoungLivesLost #Call2Action #LegacyOpportunity4All #SportDevelopmentPeace #Empowerthenextgeneration #CommonwealthSecretariat #UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals About Youth Charter: The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise.